NSLS Activity Report 2006 - Brookhaven National Laboratory

particular machine. The NSLS User Machine Shop
was referred to as a prime example of a well-run
and maintained facility. This past year has seen a
change in management of the User Machine Shop.
Since becoming a member of the NSLS in 2000,
I had been the Shop Manager. With the many
staffing changes at the NSLS, the responsibility
of the NSLS User Machine has now been turned
over to Dennis Carlson. Dennis has many years of
machine shop experience, having been a member
of the NSLS Beamline Development and Support
group for many years. His experience and knowledge
of the workings of the NSLS beamlines is a
very valuable asset for the users of the machine
shop.
High Sensitivity Smoke Detector (HSSD)
In early 2006, at the end of last year’s winter
maintenance period, the new HSSD was finetuned
and tested. Having met and passed all the
expected requirements and tests, the system was
placed into full service. The testing of the system
included simulation of various possible maintenance
tasks that may trigger the alarms. These
tasks included the bake-out of a cavity, soldering
of large pipes, and the idling of a truck outside
the area roll-up door. The system consists of a
system of special PVC piping and nozzles located
directly above the critical equipment in the NSLS
power supply area. It is a continuous sampling
system that pulls air samples through the nozzles
and piping to a computer analyzer, providing early
detection of any smoke or fire in the area well before
it becomes a major issue. This early detection
provides the operations coordinators with valuable
extra time to investigate and shut down any equipment
necessary to prevent a major incident.
X9-X3 Transfer
The x-ray experimental floor received a major
change with groups working together to “Green
Field” the X3 beamline in 2005. With that portion
of the project completed, the next phase of the
project was to modify and relocate the X9 experimental
end station enclosure (EESE) to X3. This
was a major undertaking since the original EESE
was too tall to fit at X3. The lead-lined panels
were transported to the Central Fabrication Facility
to be modified and then transported back and
re-assembled in place at the X3 beamline. All the
X9 beamline components were painstakingly removed
and re-assembled at the new X3 location.
Green Field of X9
With the completion of the X9 to X3 beamline,
preparations for the new X9 beamline were begun.
The most visible aspect of this task was to “Green
Field” the area beginning with the removal and
disposal of the old EESE. With the help of Plant
Engineering Carpenter and Riggers, and thorough
work planning using the BNL Work Permit program,
the removal of the EESE was completed
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quickly and safely. Once the EESE was removed,
work continued to remove all remaining excess
equipment, clean, and make necessary repairs to
the floor to prepare for the planning and installation
of the new line later this year.
Library Renovations
After many years of use, the NSLS Chasman-
Green Library was remodeled. With the assistance
of Plant Engineering, the old carpet and platform
was removed and new carpets installed. New ceiling
tiles were installed and the walls received a
fresh coat of paint. Bookcases were rearranged,
excess file cabinets removed, old periodicals were
The renovated Green-Chasman Library
scanned to computer files, and many volumes of
reference books were placed into storage until the
renovations were complete.
In 2007, the reference books will be sorted and arranged
for easy access and plans for new furniture
will be finalized. Plans also include the installation
of a retractable projection screen in the ceiling to
allow the library to be used as a conference room.
A small area will be set up and equipped with a
computer station, and a fax/copy machine for use
by visiting users. These renovations will result in
a warm, quiet, and friendly atmosphere to gather
and relax or just get away from the busy life of
running an experiment.
Behind-the-Scenes Accomplishments
Many times during the year there are tasks and
jobs completed that go unnoticed by the majority
of staff and users. Most times these are tasks that
do not affect the everyday workings of the NSLS,
but once completed, they make life a little safer
or comfortable for everyone. Most of these do
not take much effort on the part of the NSLS, but
require much coordination between building management,
Plant Engineering, contractors and other
BNL departments. Some of this year’s behind-thescenes
accomplishments include for following:
● Parking lots outside the east side of the build-